The Religious Roots of the Easter Parade
The revival of Easter as a festival-type holiday coincided with a rise in Catholic immigration and relaxing religious standards in the 1880's.
Matzo and Oreos: Keeping Kosher in America
The koshering of America's food industry has mostly gone unnoticed. Yet most people who specifically buy kosher foods are not Jewish.
The Dead Sea Scrolls: Still Unscrolling
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered some 70 years ago after 2000 years in the desert, have had a controversial and conflicted life.
How Irish Holidays Blend Catholic and Pagan Traditions
Many Irish holidays blend the Catholic faith with ancient Celtic tradition and mythology. Some original pagan holidays are still practiced in Ireland today.
How Hanukkah Became “Jewish Christmas”
For most of the Jewish world, Hanukkah is a minor holiday. What happened in America?
Drinking the Kool-Aid at Jonestown
Did you drink the Kool-Aid? The phrase has become such a part of the vocabulary that for many its origins have been obscured.
Chick Tracts and the Culture Wars
Jack Chick has been called the “most widely read theologian in history.” His Chick tracts have circulated for years. He was also vehemently anti-Catholic.
Spiritualism, Science, and the Mysterious Madame Blavatsky
Madame Helena Blavatsky was the 19th century's most famous and notorious occultist. She was also the godmother of the New Age movement.